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Antenna Testing Data
Testing Date: 12/08/01
Results
Definition:
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XX-XX =
Measured signal strength level
-
0-XX-XX =
Signal locks on briefly but keeps dropping out
-
0-50 = Signal
was detected but not able to lock
-
0 = No signal
detected
Note:
Signal level refers to the Dish 6000 indicator which measures the signal
quality based on percentage of errors. As long as the indicator stays above
48-50%, the signal will lock. I assume that if you have over 50% errors, the
Dish 6000 does not have enough good signal to decode properly. A reading of
100% would indicate no errors in signal. I have found that at 47% I will see
pixelation in the picture and below 46% the picture will drop out
completely.
Test #1

Test #2

Test #3

Conclusion:
During this test, the long distance channels from San Diego (130 miles) were
difficult to pick up due to poor weather conditions. It does show what each
antenna can do in these conditions. I cannot conclude the inability for any
antenna to pick up certain stations. I will be conducting more tests soon when
weather conditions improve.
JBX21WB
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Maintains a very steady signal on
the local Mt. Wilson stations, a good indication of the ability to block out
multi-path interference
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Long distance channel performance
about average, possibly due to the antenna being a WB (wideband channels
14-69) version bringing the peak gain down a little
-
Solid construction, but slightly
heavy from the solid rod director elements
DY28A
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Narrow band group "A" antenna
tuned to the lower channel range (channels 14-35), channels above ~30 did
not tune in at all
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Strong signals in the lower
channel range, but the signal strength levels seemed to fluctuate a little
more than other antennas tested
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Antenna is very large (about 14'
long and 3' wide) and fairly heavy
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Channel Master 9251 rotator not
strong enough to stay in synchronization after several back and forth tuning
adjustments. I recommend a professional type rotator for everyday use with
this antenna
Televes Pro-Range 1046 (Dat75)
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Multi-path rejection average,
could not pick up the most difficult local channels
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Long distance performance was
average, on the stations it did pick up, the signal levels were lower than
the others tested
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Antenna is one of smallest and
lightest of those tested, great for attic installs
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Very light weight and sturdy
construction
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The clear anodize finish is very
nice
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The very large, mustard yellow
colored, plastic bulkheads were kind of ugly and unnecessary. A narrow
streamline version of the bulkheads would be cleaner looking and have less
wind load, however the thin-wall injection molding work was very precise
CM-4248
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Simple Yagi design using unique
formed sheet metal directors
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Good, inexpensive antenna for
locations with a decent line of sight and less than about 65 miles from
transmitter
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Multipath rejection below average
based on the local channel performance tests
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Long distance performance is
below average compared to the others tested
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Low cost, readily available, and
light weight makes this a popular antenna
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Definitely worth a try in nearby
locations with a decent line of site
ATF-X100
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This is a precision custom built
antenna not available to the public
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Long distance performance is
good. Signal strength levels were generally a little higher and more stable
for each station than the other antennas tested
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Unable to pick up some of the
difficult upper-band local channels (59, 65, 66) probably due to multi-path
interference
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All elements are adjustable,
allowing the antenna to be very fine tuned, however this feature is for
development work only
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Antenna is not in production, it
is just a prototype.
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